"I understand that it is not the way everybody lives, to go to somebody's house and have a wonderful dinner that is catered by 8 servants and then sit in their living room and have a giant screen come down and you watch a movie."-Jackie Collins on Hollywood lifestyles

ME YOU THEM

SYNOPSIS:
Loosely inspired by a tv news report, Me You Them is the story of Darlene (Regina Casé),
who lives in the Brazilian outback and manages to collect three husbands, all living
together under the one roof. Of course, it doesn’t happen in any sort of traditional
manner, and ‘husband’ may be too formal a word for it. But she does also have
children by the men, and her joy of living and matter of fact nature make the house a
convivial home. More or less. . .

This little gem of a film takes as its starting point a story that was unearthed on
Brazilian television; not as one of those un-reality shows, but a news feature, profiling
a woman who managed to live with three men in one house, in a remote village. Andrucha
Waddington fashions a sensitive and engaging film from this premise, helped by an
economical script and excellent performances. Regina Casé creates a multi-dimensional
Darlene; the three men are each unqiue and bring a diverse set of personalities to the
film, expertly juggling the emotional balls that they find multiplying as the story
progresses. The film maintains a calm tone of wry interest and neither judges nor
condescends to its subjects. Nor to the audience. Waddington’s fascination is with
the central character, Darlene, and how her nature and personality manage to maintain a
balance in this relationship labyrinth. As a character study it’s a fine effort, with
lots of emotion and humour, but none of it ever forced or melodramatic. Waddington
captures the silken threads of how our lives evolve with unerring subtlety and accuracy.
Real life needs no-one to sensationlise it, least of all filmmakers inspired by real
events. Like a good journalist (not that he is one), Waddington finds the story for his
film – not in the superficially sensational notion of a woman with three husbands,
but in the myriad issues of how it came about, why it happened, what are these people like
and how can it inform us about the human condition. In fact, the film’s success lies
in its respect for all its characters, and its invitation to us to also understand.
Compassion and humour are great stablemates and well utilised in Me You Them. Andrew L. Urban

It's not hard to imagine how Hollywood would colour this tale - it might star Julia
Roberts, and her three husbands could be played by Antonio Banderas, Benicio del Toro and
Jude Law. It would no doubt be funny, highly contrived and
possibly rather entertaining in a frivolous sort of way. But Me You Them is as far from
Hollywood as you could imagine. To begin with, its characters are far from glamorous or
young. The central character is no svelte beauty; she is
solidly built, with very large teeth and a lively libido. Grounded by the sensual rhythms
and earthy settings of Brazil, the story evolves so naturally, there is nothing whatsoever
sensational about it. Far from it. Me You Them is
a wry, gently amusing insight into life, death, marriage and survival. The humour does not
make you laugh aloud, but prompts inward chuckles and recognition of impossible situations
that only real life can deliver. An economical script and a light touch by director
Andrucha Waddington take us on an extraordinary journey by a strong woman, whose
determination to live and love allows new rules to be forged. I really liked the symbolic
bridal veil that a very pregnant Darline (with no man in tow) tosses in the wind, before
mounting an expressionless donkey when her story begins. The symbolism reminded me of some
years ago when my (then) eight year old daughter placed a 'Barbie' bridal veil on our
Burmese cat that had just been mated. But I digress. Back in Brazil, Darline's journey
takes us into a world where economics, common sense
and lust are the teachers. There's nothing romantic about the first awkward proposal that
comes by the washing line; it is a commitment made from pragmatism and a wish to survive.
The interesting thing about the subsequent two relationships and how they evolve, is that
the role each man assumes is unique. One is the financial provider, but he has little
interest in friendship or sex. And when all three are vital to Darline, it's easy to
understand the way the story unfolds. It's as natural as the dusty landscapes, the warm
Brazilian breeze and Darline's lust for life. Wonderful naturalistic performances, moody
cinematography and a splendid music soundtrack jostle this entertaining and delightful
story into life. It's delightful and thoroughly entertaining. It may even inspire you.Louise Keller